Question Tag: Boniface Bank

Boniface Bank Limited placed an advert in the national dailies requesting for proposals for external audit services.

You are provided with the following information:

Boniface Bank Limited was licensed as a commercial bank in 2018. The shareholders’ fund is N25 billion and the bank is mainly in the retail business. The bank is a national bank with presence in the state capitals of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The bank is gaining recognition as an institution that finances small and medium scale enterprises in the country.

The policy of the bank is to have an auditor for a 10-year tenure and a partner rotation every five years.

Scope of work

In line with best practices, external auditors are expected to be independent and conduct the audit of the books of the bank in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Standards on Auditing (ISA). They are also expected to provide other services as the need arises that will not compromise their independence.

To be specific, the successful firm will be required to:

• Conduct an audit and report on the state of affairs and operations of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2018;
• Advise management on the treatment and disclosures of certain items in the financial statements as the need arises, for example, new and revised standards;
• Make presentations to shareholders on the state of affairs and operations of the bank at the Annual General Meeting; and
• Present the management letter on weaknesses identified during the audit.

Qualifications of the firm

The audit firm to be selected should have at least six partners with good quality control processes and robust audit software. In addition, the firm must have subject matter experts in the International Financial Reporting Standards.

The proposal should state the firm’s experience in bank audits, fee quote, the proposed engagement team, the audit approach, and relevant activities for smooth operation of the audit including steps necessary to conduct a hitch-free audit.

Independence

The proposal should indicate how the firm will ensure that it maintains its independence and avoids conflicts of interest throughout the period of appointment as auditors.

Submission

You are expected to submit your proposal not later than 5p.m. on December 13,
2018.
The shortlisted firms shall be invited for presentations as soon as possible and will
be finally contacted for follow up interviews if successful.
(For any further clarification, please contact Olaolu Aki on 0071562534.)
The partners of your firm are interested in the proposal of Boniface Bank Limited.
You have been requested to make input for the proposal as soon as possible.

Required:

Discuss the following:
a. Objectives of the external audit of Boniface Bank Limited. (4 Marks)
b. Eligibility for qualification as external auditor. (10 Marks)
c. Rights and duties of external auditors under the Companies and Allied
Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004. (10 Marks)
d. Responsibility of management and those charged with governance.
(10 Marks)
e. Requirements of auditors in relation to International Standards on Auditing
(ISA 200). (6 Marks)